LOOKING FORWARD

Seniors should always having something to look forward to. Sitting looking at the walls is a sure way to shrivel up and die. Be active. Have varied interests. Always have something planned that you look forward to.

TRIPS.  I have decided that foreign trips are just hard work. Sitting on a plane for 16 hours after the hassle of the airport security and the jammed packed plans is no fun. I will always travel but foreign travel will take careful consideration. If I do cross the oceans I will absolutely sit in the front of the airplane. US travel is something else. Joyce and I have three great local trips on the agenda. Newport Beach/Laguna; Sun Valley; New York City. Also, we will winter again in Desert Island, Calif.

Another thing I recommend to senors is to be TECH-SAVVY" I love the technology of today. I wear out my iPhone, iPod, Kindle, and iPad. What a wonderful way to keep in contact with the family and the WORLD. I can call my grandchildren on the cell phone and they usually don't answer. But, I can send a text message and hear a response in minutes. Why? I have no idea. I think I have the fastest thumbs in the West for a grandfather.

The iPad has in many ways replaced my laptop for a lot of projects. It's light, handy, versatile and easy to use.It has wonderful photo taking capacity and other fun applications.

I was one of the very first seniors to be on Facebook. Years ago, it was primarily a tool for students to keep in touch with classmates. I was alone as a senior but now have a great deal of people my age as "friends" and I see more and more people of all ages on Facebook. I love the ap "Instagram." Have you seen it? Its a new ap to share photos and keep in touch. Facebook just purchased the ap from a couple of very young programmers for over $1 billion

. I don't have as many Facebook friends as I once had because somehow I accumulated contacts that aren't really "friends" and too many of my contacts were unabashedly using the site for business purposes. That's not why I log on to the site

BE ACTIVE. I try to keep busy but must confess I "run out of gas" a lot quicker than I used to. I'm sitting at my keyboard right now after 45 minutes of yard work. I came in to take a deep breath and regain my ambition. But, I love digging in the dirt and working in my yard. People kid me for washing my own car and shining my own shoes. I surely can pay to have it done but I like doing it myself. (and besides, I do a better job.) Have projects, realistic goals and objectives, things to do and places to go. Keep moving. I love a program offered by many insurance companies. It is a paid for exercise program called SILVER SNEAKERS. I go two or three time each week to work on strength, balance, coordination. Marvelous instructors guide the sessions and the program has been marvelous for me. Besides, I have met some fine, new friends.

Life is good. People say, "Fred, how are you?" I reply, "I'm below average but above ground." I've got a very big milestone birthday coming in September. Many people,, mostly my doctors.. didn't think I would see the big eight o. Surprise!

So... The Golden Years Can Be Golden.. ENJOY!